Learn These Four Signs Your Dental Bridge May Be Loose
It can be extremely inconvenient and alarming when a dental bridge falls out, not to mention embarrassing if you happen to be with company. In most cases, permanent bridges are naturally meant to stay in place without any need for attention, and yet sometimes this doesn't happen. The teeth themselves may shift, placing pressure on the bridge, or the bonding material may fail.
Of course, the reason isn't what you should worry about, at least not initially. Instead, it's well worth learning the signs that a dental bridge has become loose. If you notice them, you'll be able to see your dentist and have the problem addressed before the bridge actually comes free.
1. Moves Under Pressure
The most obvious and discernible sign that a dental bridge has loosened is slight movement when you touch it. Lightly touch your tongue or finger against it and apply gentle pressure. If the bridge moves, you should see your dentist. You'll probably initially notice movement as you eat tougher foods, but you may also find your bite feeling a little off. With the bridge moving slightly, your teeth won't line up as they used to, and you may find it harder to bite down on food correctly.
2. Sensitivity
When a dental bridge starts to come loose, connecting components or loose food can come in contact with unprotected parts of the gum area. When this occurs, you're likely to experience discomfort and sensitivity. This will probably more acute at first and grow less noticeable as the exposed area becomes used to contact.
3. Poor Taste or Smell
Maybe the sensitivity experienced when food debris gets under your bridge will begin to decrease, but that food can become stuck. When it does, it's also going to start to rot. This can lead to decay, and infections can develop relatively easily thanks to the proximity to the gum line. Before this happens, you're likely to notice a poor taste and smell emanating from your mouth regardless of how much you brush and floss. If it seems to be coming from your bridge, that bridge could be loose.
4. Discoloration
The supporting metal framework of your bridge should not be visible. If the bridge has moved, you may see a touch of darkness or discoloration at the gum line where the framework is either showing through or exposed completely, and that's a sure sign that something is wrong.
For more information, contact a dentist.